Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
This convention center in Rosemont, Illinois hosts Anime Central and Midwest FurFest alongside the neighbouring Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Midwest FurFest lists paid garages across the road, each with a skybridge link to the convention center. Both conventions run accessibility services and quiet spaces.
Before you go
- Indoor or outdoor
- Indoor convention center
- Official site
- acen.org
- Next festival here
- Midwest FurFest, Dec 3 to 6, 2026
Worth knowing before you go
- Garages near the centre have no in and out privileges, so leaving means paying again.
- Anime Central wheelchair requests need 7 days notice and carry a fee.
- Anime Central and Midwest FurFest each run their own accessibility services, so check which event you are at.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Skybridge from garages to the centre · Garage parking $20 for 24 hours · Accessibility desk beside Registration.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want to walk from a garage to the halls over a skybridge.
- You want a quiet space close to Registration during the convention.
Think twice if
- You want to step out and back in on one parking fee.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · Midwest FurFestMidwest FurFest lists two garages beside the convention center, each $20 for 24 hours with no in and out privileges. The Convention Center East Garage is across Bryn Mawr Ave. from the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, and the Williams Street Garage is directly across River Road from the convention center, entered from Williams Street between the Doubletree and Embassy Suites. Both have direct access to the Skybridge to the convention center and the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.
Festival-specific · Midwest FurFestParkway Bank Park at Rosemont offers 24 hour parking for $20, or free with validation from any Parkway Bank Park venue.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · Anime CentralAn Event Accessibility Services desk sits next to Registration in the convention center, with another in the Hyatt Grand Boardroom. Trained service animals and guide dogs are allowed on the show floor on a leash or in a harness. Wheelchairs can be requested through the convention center for a fee, at least 7 days before you need one.
Festival-specific · Midwest FurFestAn Accessibility queue is available during badge pickup, and a wristband gives priority access to event and elevator lines, with one companion per wristband holder. Wristbands are also available through the weekend at the Accessibility Services Office.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (acen.org).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The venue's own pages are the place to check: acen.org.
Sound and sensory
Festival-specific · Anime CentralTwo Quiet Areas are available on request, one in the Hyatt Grand Boardroom and one by the Accessibility Services booth inside Registration at the convention center.
Festival-specific · Midwest FurFestA Quiet Room offers a low-stimulation space for a break from the noise, lights and crowds of the convention.
Recently at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
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A little history
Anime Central uses both the Hyatt and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, with accessibility services at each.